SUMISIP, Basilan, 6 Mar (PIA) – Basilan, recently, unveils the Kasanyangan (Peace) Monument that symbolizes the victory of the people of Basilan in fighting lawlessness, extremism, and terrorism.
For its leaders, this monument is a testament of the peoples struggles and aspirations for genuine peace and will continue to be a reminder for the people to keep this aspiration as the province continues to face challenges in achieving genuine peace and development.
"The prospect of peace in Basilan was difficult to imagine decades ago due to the proliferation of illegal firearms and the presence of several armed groups," Governor Jim Salliman-Hataman said as he and National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez unveiled the Kasanyangan (Peace) Monument at the Rotonda in Barangay Mahatallang, Sumisip last March 4.
Salliman described the peace monument as the symbol of Basileños' struggle for peace and the "apex of our cooperation, solidarity and determination to succeed."
"Only few believed that we can achieve peace. We took action and trusted the process. We have achieved our dreams of a peaceful and progressive Basilan," he said.
Governor Salliman recalled that he made an unflinching move in 2016 during his first year in office as governor, and that his administration has acknowledged the problem on lawless elements and violent extremism.
"We owned the problem, and we confronted it," the governor stressed even as he added that his efforts had been criticized by detractors, but the inflow of support from the local government units of Basilan, the AFP, PNP, religious sectors and the general constituencies of the province far outweighed the criticisms.
The governor revealed that the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has been a major partner of the PLGU Basilan in the SALW Program as a component of the peace monument.
Sec. Galvez described Basilan as the foundation of his life, having served the province during the early stage of his military career
“Basilan has transformed into a progressive and peaceful province under the leadership of Gov. Salliman. Genuine peace now reigns in Basilan…We will never forget Basilan," Galvez said.
The monument stands in a former conflict area, near Punoh Mahadji where, according to Galvez, deadly armed confrontations have resulted to the death of over seven hundred soldiers and countless civilians and bandits at the height of the Abu Sayyaf reign in the hinterlands of Basilan. (NBE/RVC/PIA9 with reports from Basilan PIO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/2023/03/07/basilan-unveils-kasanyangan-peace-monument
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